Bites Nearby: Experience Tex-Mex in Sound Beach at Mesquite

Mesquite TexMex Grill

Overview: Mesquite TexMex Grill, nestled into a small shopping plaza on Echo Avenue, delivers all the reliable Tex-Mex classics you crave, with a flair for the creative and new.

Decor: Though primarily a spot for fast, fresh takeout, Mesquite has a couple tables and a few counter-side stools in a casual storefront/dining room that is vaguely saloon-like.

The Drinks: Cans and bottles of water and soda in the fridge. BYO beer and wine.

Appetizers: The daily menu offers some standards -- Easy Nacho ($5) that features chips, cheese, sour cream, salsa and scallions, Loco Nacho ($8.50) which adds chili, black beans, chicken and steak and chicken tenders ($5.50) but for something a bit different try the Crispy Calamari ($7.75), served with tequila-jalapeno slaw. There are also salads ($3 for the simple, $7 for grilled vegetable) and various soups and chilies ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 a cup.

When you call, ask if they have any appetizer specials -- the chicken chimichanga with a spicy-sweet sauce is a standout.

Entrees: Workaday tacos ($2.75 each, soft or hard), quesadillas ($4.50-$7.75 depending on fillings) and burritos ($3.50 - $8.50 depending on fillings that range from beans to succulent, intensely flavored pork to shrimp) will satisfy lovers of classic Tex-Mex fare. For the adventurous there are Jerk Chicken Tacos ($4 each) with mang0-yogurt sauce and pineapple, Pulled Pork Tacos ($4) with granny smith apple slaw and ricotta, the Fiery Skirt Steak Taco ($4) with honey-chipotle glaze and avocado-oregano relish and a Blue Cheese Skirt Steak Taco ($4). 

Another off-the-menu item to ask about is the super-fresh Fish Taco that delivers a bit of Southern California flair.

Sides: Chips and salsa ($3), chips and quacamole ($5) and rice and beans ($3.50) highlight the list of sides. Make sure to try the house-made hot sauce ($3.00, though you get some with your entree).

Desserts: No desserts, so have an extra taco.

Service: Space at the tables is hit-or-miss, but the food is always freshly cooked and ready for pickup when they say it will be -- if not before.

Signature Dish: Various specialty tacos or the Pork Burrito.

Address: 291 Echo Avenue, Sound Beach, NY 11789

Cost: $